reform

/rɪˈfɔːrm/

Say it: ri-FORM

1. verb To make changes to something, especially a social, political, or economic institution or practice, in order to improve it.
The new government promised to reform the country's healthcare system.
2. noun The improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, or unsatisfactory.
The party's platform is centered on economic reform.
3. verb To cause someone to abandon their immoral or criminal behavior and become a better person.
The program aims to reform young offenders through education and community service.
4. noun An action, or a movement, that aims to make gradual change in order to improve something.
She was a key figure in the prison reform movement of the 19th century.

📖 Seen in the wild

The government introduced a series of reforms aimed at improving the education system.
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✏️ reform in a sentence

Critics argue that the proposed reforms do not go far enough to address the core issues.
After a series of scandals, the police department underwent a complete reform.
He was a notorious character, but his friends believed he could reform.
The senator has been a lifelong advocate for campaign finance reform.
Reforming the educational curriculum is a complex and contentious process.
The company is implementing reforms to its hiring practices to promote diversity.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

improve amend restructure revamp correct rectify reorganize rehabilitate

improve · a more general term that doesn't necessarily imply correcting a major fault.

amend · typically used for making formal changes to laws, documents, or statements.

restructure · focuses specifically on changing the fundamental organization or framework of something.

revamp · an informal term suggesting a thorough, often stylish, overhaul.

Opposites: corrupt, worsen, degrade, maintain the status quo

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'reform' traces back to the Latin verb *reformare*, meaning 'to form again' or 'to transform'. It entered English through Old French in the 14th century, initially with a spiritual sense of improving one's character. Over time, its meaning broadened to include the improvement of institutions and systems, a sense that became prominent during the Protestant Reformation.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

sweeping reformeconomic reformreform the systemcall for reformprison reformpolitical reform

Reform carries a strong positive connotation, implying that a change is for the better. It is distinct from 'revolution', which suggests a fundamental and often abrupt overthrow of a system. Reform works within the existing structure to improve it, whereas a revolution seeks to replace it entirely. Use 'reform' for significant, deliberate improvements, not minor tweaks or adjustments.

Word family: reformation, reformer, reformist, reformatory

💬 Quick answers

What does 'reform' mean?

It means to improve something, like a law, institution, or a person's behavior, by making changes to correct faults, errors, or abuses.

What's the difference between 'reform' and 'revolution'?

Reform involves improving an existing system from within, usually through gradual and peaceful change. A revolution aims to completely overthrow and replace the entire system, often rapidly and sometimes violently.

Is 'reform' a noun or a verb?

It can be both. As a verb, it means to make improvements (e.g., 'to reform the law'). As a noun, it refers to the act of improvement itself (e.g., 'the law needs reform').

Is 'reform' a positive word?

Yes, 'reform' almost always has a positive connotation, suggesting that the changes being made are for the better and will lead to improvement.

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